Coronavirus sports fans flock to non-League games with no Premier League action on

Fans have flocked in their droves to the few sporting events on show this Saturday as punters went to Uttoxeter Races while football fans visited non-League grounds amid the coronavirus pandemic.

This past week has seen a rapid escalation in the number of positive cases of coronavirus in the UK, as the world comes to grips with the spread of the disease.

On Friday, professional English football was suspended until at least April 3, following in the footsteps of the Six Nations and NBA in moving to suspend action until further notice.

Sports fans have flocked in their droves to the few remaining sports events this weekend

Due to coronavirus, professional football in England has moved to postpone games

In Rugby, the Six Nations has also been postponed due to the spread of the illness

However, non-league football is still going ahead with action in the National League

I was meant to be at Newcastle vs Sheffield United this afternoon. Found Sir Bobby rather lonely. No such problem up the road at South Shields vs FC United where they are queuing down the road to get in. 1st vs 2nd in Northern Prem pic.twitter.com/6vGyl4viaC

However, not all sports have been called off as of yet. The National League is still going ahead this weekend, with six games on show across the country.

Sportsmail’s Adam Shergold was in Newcastle this afternoon to report on Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with Sheffield United.

However, with that contest postponed, fans have wandered down the road for the National League North game between South Shields and FC United.

Uttoxeter racing is still going ahead with the BHA confirming the sport is still open

Uttoxeter racecourse chief David MacDonald expects over 10,000 punters at the races

Meanwhile, the horse racing hasn’t stopped following the action at Cheltenham this week, with punters flocking to Uttoxeter for the races this weekend.

The British Horseracing Authority said that they would follow the government’s guidelines and keep the sport open until told otherwise.

Executive Director of Uttoxeter Racing, David MacDonald, revealed that more than 10,000 spectators would be at the races this weekend.

‘I have to say it’s not been the easiest of weeks,’ he said. ‘It’s been difficult. We’ve not known whether we’d be racing or not.

Extra precautions have been put in place to help stop the spread of the coronavirus

‘The eyes of the world are on us, lots of football fans will be coming down. We think it will be a huge crowd, definitely over 10,000.

‘Extra precautions are in place, lots of hand sanitizers, lots of toilets and sink basins to wash hands, soap everywhere. We want everyone to come, have a good time and be safe.’

On Friday night, rugby league fans turned out to watch Salford Red Devils come from behind to beat Wigan Warriors, with the RFL also following the guidelines of the government to allow the sport to continue.